Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown

When it comes to author Carolyn Brown’s books, I have a love/hate relationship. Make no mistake, I love her books - I just hate that the books end.

Each time I pick up one of Brown’s books I know I’m going to be treated to a tantalizing story, meet the zaniest and most likable characters, and lose myself in a rich country-flavored enjoyable read. BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, the first installment in Brown’s new Cowboys and Brides series, is a great example of these elements.

Colton Nelson was just an ordinary ranch hand when he won the Texas Lottery at age 28. Overnight he went from ranch hand to owning one of the biggest spreads in Texas. That’s when the trouble began. Women came out of the woodwork lusting after his millions. They tried every trick in the book including drugging his beer. Colton’s family decided he needed a pretend girlfriend to give him some peace of mind.

Laura Baker had always taken care of her older sister when she got into trouble. This time Laura had to save her from loan sharks so she turned to her cousin and last resort for help. Andy helped her with the money and now she was repaying the debt working as his assistant on Colton’s ranch. 

When the Nelsons make her a sweet deal to pretend to be Colton’s girlfriend, Laura knows she’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity. But it’s not going to be as easy as she thinks, no matter how sexy Colton is. Laura and Colton get along fine, but both have issues that strain their relationship. With mixed emotions on both sides, it’s hard to tell where the make-believe ends and reality begins.

Brown makes her hero and heroine strong and independent, but adds flaws, insecurities and worries that readers can relate to. She weaves bits of humor throughout, along with steamy romance for a well-balanced story.

While the main focuses of the story is Colton and Laura, Brown pulls the secondary characters into play. Their interaction draws out more depth to the main characters. Brown’s eye for detail places the reader in the middle of the crowd whether it’s in a Dallas grand ballroom or the hay fields on the ranch.

When you come to the end BILLION DOLLAR COWBOY, you feel you know these characters. They’re realistic and remain with you after you turn the last page. 

Brown is masterful in her storytelling and character development. She combines sizzling romance, enduring friendships, family loyalty, and plain old-fashion fun for a rip-roaring great start to a delightful new series.

Author Carolyn Brown’s website is http://www.carolynlbrown.com/

Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown, Book 1 in the Cowboys and Brides Series, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2013, ISBN: 978-1402280467, Paperback, 352 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy books where you feel you know the characters when you close the book or had you rather feel detached from them?

*SIDENOTE: Author C.C. Humphreys was slated to join us today, but due to unforeseen circumstances was unable to. Hopefully we can reschedule the visit for a later date.*